Rep. Fudge Joins the Congressional Black Caucus in Expressing Outrage Over the Administration's SNAP Proposal Cutting Free School Meal Eligibility for One Million School-Age Children
Statement
Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) joined the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) in sending a letter today to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue regarding the Department's proposed rule to eliminate broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE) in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and its adverse impact on access to school meals for nearly 1 million school-age children.
"It is alarming that USDA continues to move forward with its SNAP proposal even after releasing data that shows it would cause nearly 1 million students to lose automatic access to free school meals," said Rep. Fudge. "As the late Congressman Cummings frequently said, "Our children are the living messages we send to a future we will never see.' What kind of message are we sending by limiting access to programs essential to student health and success? I join with the Congressional Black Caucus in calling on Secretary Perdue to rescind this cruel proposal immediately."
"It is unfathomable that as Americans are preparing for the holiday season and Thanksgiving, President Donald Trump's Administration is considering a proposal to reduce one million hungry children from receiving access to free school meals," said Rep. Karen Bass, Chair of the CBC. "SNAP is the first line of defense against hunger and food insecurity for low-income families and children. As the "Conscious of the Congress,' the CBC calls on the Trump Administration to immediately withdraw the proposal."
According to USDA estimates, over 3 million people, including seniors, veterans, persons with disabilities, and working families with children, would be kicked off SNAP under the proposed rule. Nearly 1 million children in affected SNAP households would lose automatic eligibility for free school meals.
We have already lost too much under this Administration, and the Congressional Black Caucus
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